Sapphire The name Sapphire is derived from the ancient Greek word Sappheiros and the Latin word Sapphirus, both of which mean “Blue Stone”. The Greek word Sappheiros (originally used to describe Lapis Lazuli) and the Latin word Sapphirus were generic words used to describe all blue gemstones. The origin of the Greek word Sappheiros can be traced even further back to the ancient Hebrew [...]

Ruby The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word ruber which means "Red", ruber was used to describe all vibrant red gemstones. The ancient Romans also used the word carbunculus which means "little coal" to describe all red gemstones, including Rubies, Red Spinels and Red Garnets. During the Middle-Ages the name ruber evolved into the old French word rubeus and then [...]

Emerald The gemstone Emerald belongs to the beryl group and is the most precious variety of beryl. The other varieties of beryl are Aquamarine, Morganite, Red and Green beryl, Heliodor, Maxixe, and Goshenite. The stone derives its colour from the element chrome, while green beryl is coloured by vanadium. The colouring agent chrome is [...]